You can help control influenza activity in our community by getting vaccinated. It’s important to get vaccinated every year against the flu.

The vaccine is given each year because immunity decreases after a year, and because each year’s vaccine is formulated to prevent that year’s anticipated strains of influenza viruses.

Once again, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital will be offering free flu vaccines to our patients’ parents and other adult close contacts.

“Vaccines for Parents” is a pediatric resident- and student-run advocacy group providing free influenza vaccines to caregivers of children cared for at OHSU Doernbecher. We intend to protect our youngest and most vulnerable patients by “cocooning” infants and other high-risk children, insulating them from infection by ensuring everyone they come into contact with has been immunized.

Free flu vaccinations will be offered to our established patient family members starting Monday, Oct. 24, 2016. The vaccine clinic takes place in the OHSU Doernbecher lobby on Mondays and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Subject to volunteer availability and while supplies last. Family members must be 18 or older and cannot be employees of OHSU.

For tips on how to avoid the flu, check out the Oregon Health Authority website: “Flu prevention.”